Western Europe

GB Merchant Partners sells Spencer’s(6)

Gordon Brothers’ private equity arm has sold specialty retailer Spencer’s Gifts to ACON Investments after streamlining its business and redesigning its stores.

Hutton Collins takes Everest stake(2)

Structured equity provider Hutton Collins has taken a stake in Everest allowing a partial exit for the company’s owner Brian Kennedy.

Phoenix makes 3.8x from handbags

Exponent Private Equity has bought handbag company Radley from Phoenix Equity Partners, which exited the company after slightly more than a year and a half having “made it feel like an entirely different business”.

GP dollars flood K Street(3)

KKR recently augmented its tax lobbying capability - and it’s not alone. Buyout shops are spending millions on Washington’s K Street - synonymous with the Capitol’s powerful lobbyists - as US lawmakers mull legislation that would increase taxes.

Isis makes 3x money bolstering national security

Isis Equity Partners, the UK mid-market buyout firm, has sold secure messaging company Boldon James to trade buyer Qinetiq, after securing contracts for the company with the UK Ministry of Defence and the UK Cabinet office.

Actis hires ex-GIC executive as China head(2)

Actis, the emerging market buyout investor, has hired Lim Meng Ann, a former China-based GIC Special Investment executive to head its China operations. Lim replaces Chin Bay Chong, who left Actis at the start of the year.

A leisurely approach to buyouts(2)

Amid reports that the Blackstone Group is considering a flotation of restaurant group Tragus, a new report reveals that private equity firms are now the most active investors in UK leisure property.

Pension funds expect 11% returns from the asset class

Pension funds anticipate private equity returns over the next three years to be 38 percent lower than managers’ expectations. However, pension funds’ desire to invest in the asset class remains high.

GLG is raising a $250m debt fund(3)

European hedge fund GLG Partners has joined the groups of buyout firms and banks which are raising funds to buy leveraged buyout debt.

Darwin hits half-way milestone with £122m(2)

Darwin Private Equity has held a second close of its debut fund just three months after launching with the backing of City grandee Lord Jacob Rothschild and his RIT Capital Partners trust.